Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to undergo back surgery on Monday, new head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed. The Spain captain helped his country win the World Cup and was named the tournament’s Golden Ball winner before returning to his club.
Speaking at his first press conference as Manchester City manager, Maresca said the midfielder will have surgery before taking time to rest and recover. The coach did not provide a timeline for Rodri’s return but expressed confidence that he will rejoin the squad after completing his rehabilitation.
Rodri injury update after World Cup
Maresca confirmed that Rodri’s operation is scheduled for Monday and explained that the midfielder will need a period of recovery before returning to action.
The Spain international endured difficult seasons at club level before his successful World Cup campaign. An anterior cruciate ligament injury ruled him out for most of the 2024-25 season, while further setbacks last season limited his availability.
Despite those challenges, Rodri returned to top form during the World Cup, where he captained Spain to the title and received the Golden Ball award.
Enzo Maresca responds to Real Madrid speculation
Maresca also dismissed recent reports linking Rodri with a move to Real Madrid, insisting he is not concerned by speculation surrounding one of the club’s leading players.
The Manchester City manager said transfer rumours are common when they involve top footballers, particularly after winning the World Cup. He added that every coach would want a player of Rodri’s quality in their squad.
Maresca did not reveal when Rodri is expected to return but said other players who are still away should be back with the squad three or four days before the Community Shield against Arsenal on 16 August.
Enzo Maresca embraces Manchester City challenge
During his first press conference since succeeding Pep Guardiola, Maresca described becoming Manchester City manager as a privilege and called Guardiola the best coach of the last 20 to 25 years.
Having previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant during City’s Treble-winning season, Maresca acknowledged the challenge of following a manager who won 20 trophies during a decade at the club.
He also highlighted the club’s stable structure, noting that Manchester City have had only three managers in 16 years. Maresca said he knows the organisation well from his previous spell at the club and never doubted accepting the opportunity when City approached him.
Manchester City’s transfer plans remain open
Maresca indicated that Manchester City still have “a few things to do” before the transfer window closes, although he declined to discuss the futures of individual players.
He avoided commenting on goalkeeper James Trafford, who has been linked with a move away, and midfielder Jack Grealish, who has returned to training after spending last season on loan at Everton.
